The effectiveness of massage in reducing pain in canine osteoarthritis
A literature review
DOI: https:// doi. org / 10.56496 / XQXD5527
Emma McCluskey, RVN, DipAVN, BSc( Hons), MSc
ENVELOPE emmamcc79 @ googlemail. com
Emma qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in veterinary practice, including roles as a head veterinary nurse. She holds an MSc in clinical veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation, alongside qualifications in clinical veterinary nursing and veterinary acupuncture. She is currently undertaking a diploma in canine massage and rehabilitation exercises. Emma is the founder and director of Vet Physio Scotland, which provides evidence-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation services for companion animals, working and competition dogs, and equine athletes. She also delivers CPD to veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses across Scotland, promoting the integration of rehabilitation into patient care and improving patient outcomes.
ABSTRACT Canine osteoarthritis causes chronic pain, reduced mobility and a poorer quality of life for dogs, so effective management is important. Massage therapy appears to offer a non-invasive way to reduce pain by easing muscle tension, improving circulation, increasing joint flexibility, supporting relaxation and targeting myofascial trigger points.
Studies report improvements in pain scores, mobility, range of motion and wellbeing when massage is used alone or alongside conventional treatment. Evidence also suggests that combining massage with other physiotherapy approaches, such as acupuncture or exercise, may further improve comfort and function.
However, the strength of the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, reliance on owner-reported outcomes and inconsistent pain measurement methods.
Objective tools such as gait analysis, together with more standardised assessment scales, would help strengthen future findings. Overall, massage therapy shows promise as a supportive treatment for managing pain in dogs with osteoarthritis and may contribute to better clinical outcomes and welfare.
Keywords canine, dogs, osteoarthritis, OA, pain management, wellbeing, quality of life, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy
48 Veterinary Nursing Journal